Lexical Formation

Abstract

Every human society has unique linguistic systems used to define, describe and contextualise events or situations. These systems serve as tools for communication, expressing emotions, and assigning names to occurrences. Though extensive studies on larger Nigerian languages like Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa abound, there is limited research on Idoma disease nomenclature. This study examines the lexical formation of disease terminologies in the Idoma language through Stekauver’s (1998) onomasiological theory of word formation. It explores various linguistic processes, including prefixation, suffixation, compounding and borrowing to analyze the etymologies, meanings, and cultural significance of thirty-two Idoma disease names. These processes reveal how language reflects the community’s worldview, social practices, and perceptions of health and illness. Data is collected through interviews conducted by the researchers with native speakers, traditional healers, and healthcare practitioners in Idoma-speaking communities in Benue State. By combining linguistic analysis with ethnographic methods, the study highlights the influence of historical and contemporary factors on the Idoma disease naming system. It also underscores how language reflects cultural differences and emphasizes the need for diverse linguistic perspectives in global health discussions. The study concludes that disease naming conventions significantly contribute to linguistic diversity in global health.